Function Schmunction was a project all about celebrating and creating
opportunities for authentic autistic play, joy and connection. The
project was devised and led by myself, Max Alexander, an artist, play
worker and autistic being (also known as Play Radical) in collaboration
with/produced by Independent Arts Projects (IAP). The project included autistic individuals and their communities of a wide range of ages, life experiences, interests and needs.
The project had three iterations including over a hundred one-to-one play sessions and a further 160 visitors to play days in the Function Schmunction playground which was created in response to the one-to-one play sessions and grew and changed over the three versions.
Function Schmunction was also an exploration of what autistic play culture is and can be. Autistic play is something that has been and continues to be misunderstood, invisibilized and at worst pathologised and prevented. Function Schmunction provided an affirming and creative alternative lens always from an autistic perspective.
On this page you can find photos, videos and two zines which capture some of the play, creations and experiences over the different versions of the project.
Photos by Geraldine Heaney
Play Radical 